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Sweet Tooth
Sweet Tooth: A Novel | Ian McEwan
In this stunning new novel, Ian McEwans first female protagonist since Atonement is about to learn that espionage is the ultimate seduction.Cambridge student Serena Fromes beauty and intelligence make her the ideal recruit for MI5.The year is 1972.The Cold War is far from over.Englands legendary intelligence agency is determined to manipulate the cultural conversation by funding writers whose politics align with those of the government.The operation is code named Sweet Tooth.Serena, a compulsive reader of novels, is the perfect candidate to infiltrate the literary circle of a promising young writer named Tom Haley.At first, she loves his stories.Then she begins to love the man.How long can she conceal her undercover life?To answer that question, Serena must abandon the first rule of espionage:trust no one.Once again, Ian McEwans mastery dazzles us in this superbly deft and witty story of betrayal and intrigue, love and the invented self.
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Sharpeipup
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I do love books - only lately I find myself unable to finish one. Sigh.

29 likes1 stack add
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AnneCecilie
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Pickpick

Late 60s, early 70s, Serena loves to read but is persuaded by her family and teachers to study maths. She starts an affair with one of the professors (not hers), only to realize later that he has prepared her for MI5. There she gets an assignment to recruit an author to one of their projects. And things escalate from there.

This book gave a lot of details of what was happening in the 60 and 70 like the oil crisis and the 3 day work week.

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 1y
Andrew65 Excellent progress 👏👏👏 1y
69 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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Mehso-so

I have a thing for McEwan. More than once he has pulled me out of a reading slump and I love that about him.
This is an older book, and it is honestly a bit of a mess. The characters were boring and I kept losing track of where the story was going.
But evye with all that I was curious about it and interested enough to read to the end. So it was fine.

jlhammar I'm really looking forward to his new one, out in September 2y
ChaoticMissAdventures @jlhammar this sounds so good! 2y
21 likes1 stack add2 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
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Stretch goal since I am commuting into office this week, but I do have the tagged on audio so that should help.

#weeklyforecast

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Caitlin89
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Pickpick

Sweet Tooth. Salty snack.

This book was BRILLIANT. I will say: McEwan always makes uncomfortable and bored in places. And yet I keep coming back for more. In Sweet Tooth, the story is enticing, and McEwan's classic genius insofar as metafiction astounds me. I loved it by the end (even if I did skip over some of the boring page-long descriptions of Cold War ins and outs). The ending more than made up for any hard feelings.

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Caitlin89
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New reads from today's shopping trip. Haven't begun yet, but excited to.

Christyco125 Yay! New books 🎉📕 3y
Nute Welcome to Litsy! It‘s a warm and friendly community. I know that you will enjoy yourself here. I‘m looking forward to getting to know you!🙂
Check out #LitsyEvents for a varied listing of fun-related happenings within this neighborhood of fellow readers.🤗
3y
MemoirsForMe Welcome to all the fun! 👋🏻📚🎉 3y
9 likes4 comments
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Mitch
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Interesting... a novel with the main character who‘s a crazy reader ....

https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/books/2013/03/24/A-conversation-with-Ian-McEwan-...

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Texreader
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Mehso-so

This book had promise, it wasn‘t bad, but it was dull, and only got more dull the more I read. The “twist” at the end couldn‘t save it, being at the end of an arduously long letter explaining the twist. I finally started reading the first sentence of most paragraphs and found I didn‘t miss a beat. #authoramonth

57 likes1 comment
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Texreader
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This person, presumably the main character—well, I officially don‘t like her now. She is such a know it all. I get it, she‘s a naive 20-something who hasn‘t grown into a wise humble human being yet. Maybe I could deal with her if the book was more than just reading her running silent monologue. So I decided if I haven‘t finished by May 31 (I‘m at almost 2/3), I‘m sad to say I‘m going to do my first bail for #authoramonth

GingerAntics Ugh. Those stories are only good when the MC ends up learning “hey, there is stuff I don‘t actually know. Cool.” 4y
Texreader @GingerAntics I think that‘s why I‘m sticking with it, well, besides the challenge. Maybe there‘s pay-off at the end. There‘d better be! 4y
GingerAntics Fingers crossed. Clearly that‘s not the whole gist of the story, so hopefully it‘s in there somewhere. 4y
54 likes3 comments
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Texreader
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Oh my gosh, this book just plods along. Sample above. I think the author pulled a 1970s newspaper from the archives and listed topics he found in it. Gee, thanks.

I am committed to finishing it this month for #authoramonth but it‘s a struggle. Only 150-pages to go. Maybe it‘ll pick up the pace?

@Soubhiville Help! I‘ve lost my list of authors for #authoramonth. Would you please repost? I‘d like to plan June to try to recover from this read.

Soubhiville Yes I will 😊📚 4y
CarolynM I didn't like this much either. It put me off McEwen for a bit. 4y
Texreader @CarolynM I have Atonement but haven‘t read it yet, thinking it might be too sad for me right now. Have you read it? Was it better than this one? 4y
CarolynM I haven't I've read The Children Act and Saturday, both of which I liked better than Sweet Tooth. 4y
44 likes4 comments
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EadieB
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Pickpick

1972. Cambridge student Serena Frome‘s beauty and intelligence makes her the ideal recruit for MI5. Operation Sweet Tooth is determined to manipulate writers whose politics align with the government. Serena, a compulsive reader, is the perfect candidate to infiltrate a promising young writer named Tom Haley. She loves his stories and then falls in love with him. How long can she conceal her undercover life? Read this book and find out!

42 likes1 stack add
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Texreader
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“I now knew with what trouble it had been assembled, western civilization, imperfect as it was. We suffered from faulty governance, our freedoms were incomplete. But in this part of the world our rulers no longer had absolute power, savagery was mostly a private affair...The cathedrals, the parliaments, the paintings, the courts at law, the libraries and the labs—far too precious to pull down.”

Worth remembering, when the world feels so awful.

TheAromaofBooks My husband likes to remind us that we still have it way, way better than the vast majority of people throughout the vast majority of history! 4y
Texreader @TheAromaofBooks If he‘s a student of history, like me, I think that‘s common. It‘s why I love history. It gives me such an appreciation of everything we have. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Exactly! It's honestly stunning how much most of humanity throughout history had to do just to survive! 4y
38 likes1 stack add3 comments
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NeedsMoreBooks
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Mehso-so

#AuthorAMonth #unpopularopinion
This book set on post Cold War England about Serena Fromme, an MI5 agent was bleh. There was too much of historical notes, half baked characters, and a simple storyline that was stretched too much. The love story was shallow and I felt no connection to Fromme. Hoping for something exciting to happen, I reached the end 🤦🏻‍♀️

JaclynW I'm currently reading this! I'm waiting for something to happen too.... 4y
NeedsMoreBooks @JaclynW 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ 4y
44 likes2 comments
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Texreader
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Next up. For #authoramonth for May. @Soubhiville

Doll8455 I did s momreviews post it on this book 4y
Texreader @Doll8455 Yes if you scroll down the posts for this book you will see it. #momreviews 4y
55 likes2 comments
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Eggs
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Pickpick

Cambridge student Serena Frome is thrilled to be recruited to join MI5 in 1972, when the Cold War is far from over. She learns quickly how tricky espionage and double-identity can be while working on project “Sweet Tooth”. Nice flow in McEwan‘s writing!

#authoramonth
@Soubhiville

Cuilin I liked that too. 5y
Eggs @Cuilin 👏🏻👏🏻 5y
80 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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Eggs
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1* just finished the tagged ⬆️

2* I like both every once in a while

3* I don‘t think I have, but I like space setting for films 🎞

#weekendreads
@rachelsbrittain

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Mtroiano
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I think I‘m addicted to the feeling of opening my mailbox and finding new books 📚

BookishMe 📚💕📚 📮 😍 5y
39 likes1 comment
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Texreader
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54 likes1 stack add
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Tashreads
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Project TBR 2020. In an effort to decrease the massive number of my current TBR (450!) I‘ve decided to use my #goodreads want-to-read shelf and have a bit of fun with the numbers. ⁣

First up, these are the 5 oldest books on my TBR (added back in 2013) that I plan on reading next year. #babygotbacklist

BilboBookends Invisible Monsters 💚💚💚 5y
45 likes1 stack add1 comment
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KarenUK
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#AyUpAugust
On this cover, Serena Frome, a young MI5 recruit in post Cold War England, is looking #overmyshoulder as she is being followed.
I loved this book, full of jittery atmosphere, sly manipulations, secrets and betrayals...This is such a book for readers, with McEwan‘s always beautiful prose, and the bookish Serena infiltrating a literary circle.
As I add to my McEwan Vintage cover collection, this may have to be next so I can re-read it!

Cinfhen Love the vibe coming off the book cover 5y
squirrelbrain Sounds (and looks) amazing - stacked! ❤️ 5y
54 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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EmilieGR
Panpan

Very unlikely characters and unbelievable story

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Aimeesue
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Yes, I'm reading my signed copy. I *assume* that's his signature - I won a signed copy in a drawing from the publisher. Kinda looks like they had the mailroom guy scribble random words on the title page though. 😆
#AnglophilesAnonymous

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Dirowe

Not great

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Updrifting
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Was tagged by the industrious and #inspiring @TheReadingMermaid for this so I'm doing it:
1. My fave book is Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan because...because... ok there are too many reasons. Just go read it.
2. No. I fall in love with a new one every time I read.
3. Graceling. I am sick to death of man-bashing combat queens.
4. I reread old faves because it makes me feel centered and beats valium. 😂

#summerreading2018 #readingmatters #favoritebooks

BeansPage 😘🤗😘🤗 6y
13 likes1 comment
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Ardachy
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A good read from one of my #favouriteauthors now #bookcrossing registered and released on a bench for someone else to read. The building is one of several Martello Towers situated on the #Suffolk coast.

TrishB Looks lovely 😁 6y
11 likes1 comment
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Updrifting
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1. Reread of Sweet Tooth 'cause I like to have McEwan in my brain when I finish a manuscript.
2. Yep but staying home.
3. Jasmine.
4. Chocolate eggs!
#manicmonday @JoScho

JoScho 💛💛💛 7y
Jess7 Just a reminder @litsy will be offline for scheduled maintenance from 3 am to 11 am EST. Checkout @kgriffith for details about a chatroom on LT you can join during the downtime. 7y
21 likes2 comments
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Leniverse
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Also from my Secret Santa @Izai.Amorim for the #wintersolsticebookexchange
A staggering amount of Christmas cookies I have never heard of, which is really exciting because this is one area where I am thoroughly Norwegian! We have 7 different types of cookies for Christmas and I love trying new types. Also there's some high quality marzipan there on the right, and that's one of my favourite things in the world. 😁

julesG I do have to admit, I'm glad I did not swamp you with Spekulatius and Lebkuchen then. I'm sure you'll like them. This looks like a Christmas care package from my grandmother, well-done @Izai.Amorim 7y
Izai.Amorim @Leniverse @julesG There are two other very German Christmas sweeties that you could try if you find them in the U.K.: Baumkuchen and Stollen. Both are kind of trick to ship in a box (Baumkuchen is large and Stollen is heavy) otherwise I would have added them. Guten Appetit! 7y
sisilia Lebkuchen!! 🤤 7y
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Leniverse @Izai.Amorim @julesG Stollen they have in the U.K. supermarkets. They're lovely! All citrus-y and full of rum (or at least rum flavour). Baumkuchen I'll have to look up. 7y
julesG I could send you some Baumkuchen, I'm off to get groceries and I hope they still have some. Lidl could have that, should you have a Lidl in your part of the UK (in London there are a few). 7y
julesG PS - Stollen should be buttery. 7y
Leniverse @julesG There's a small Lidl in my Welsh town, yes! I should probably look for a more genuine Stollen there as well. 😂 7y
julesG Fingers crossed. 7y
Avanders So fun!! 💖 7y
LeahBergen Ooooo! 😍 7y
69 likes10 comments
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Marissa_Writes
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“Writers are said to have superstitions and little rituals. Readers have them too.” ― Ian McEwan, Sweet Tooth
.
Let's talk superstitions... do you have any?
.
I don't really think I do... paraskevidekatriaphobia or Triskaidekaphobia is certainly not a fear for me
.
Tell me your rational and irrational fears, phobias, and superstitions today

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bbackes
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Challenge | Day 14

After a bad experience with the author, this book surprised me. Not just for the plot, but for making me see some people who were in my life at the time (and even myself) and how the behaviors were similar to some characters.

#saltyreads or #booksthatleftbadtasteinyourmouth on #booksacrossoceans by @pri_bibliophile and @mellisarock

7 likes1 stack add
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MrsMalaprop
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#Riotgrams #Characterwhosharesyourname I've not come across too many characters who share my first name, but remembered this one I read a few years back. Like the 'Serena' in Sweet Tooth, I am most certainly "a compulsive reader of novels". And my name is spelt the same way. ?

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Lidia
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This is a great little #bookwithinabook about a girl that gets hired by MI5 to be a spy because she is such a bookworm and has to infiltrate the literary circles. How cool is that for a job! #ReadJanuary

LeahBergen Ooo! This would be a good one for #LitsyReadingChallenge #Setinthe1970s 👍🏼 8y
30 likes5 stack adds1 comment
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Sweettartlaura
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Sweettartlaura
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#spynovel #photoadaynov16
Sneaking this in before the day is officially done.
I cannot do justice to how good this book is. So I present to you the blurb on the back. If you are interested in this even a scintilla, pick it up - you won't be disappointed!

ReadingEnvy I'm a sucker for secret agents. 8y
29 likes4 stack adds1 comment
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TheBookDream
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Misplaced the Jackaby novel I was reading so I started this. Personally, I believe all books should have single quotation mark. British editions all the way!

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polvish
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in hebrew translation. Love serena!

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megt
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Survived my 1st big library sale! Ok not that big, but crowded! The friends of the library org in my town runs a used book store during reg library hours. It's always well stocked, but the room isn't really meant for more than 5 or 6 people browsing @ a time. Today there were 15-20 in there & you could barely move. I didn't get to look around much; it was getting claustrophobic. But mom & I did fit 13 books into 1 bag for $5! 👈My stack & mom's 👉

GinaAnderson I ❤️ Sweet Tooth. 8y
Kirstin Nice! Love those sales!😃 8y
Lacythebookworm What a bargain!! 8y
See All 10 Comments
PurpleyPumpkin Great stacks!📚📚📚 8y
DebinHawaii An excellent haul! 📚📚❤️ 8y
megt @GinaAnderson I'm looking forward to it! It's been ages since I read McEwan. 8y
megt @Kirstin @Lacythebookworm book sales are the best sales! 😃 8y
Jenni_Capps Awesome haul! Library sales are my favorite!! ❤️ 8y
megt @Jenni_Capps thanks! And they really are great! Awesome prices and it's always good to know the money is going back to the library to fund programs and such 😊 8y
94 likes2 stack adds10 comments
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apeters8
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Joanneds
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Mehso-so

This book plods along, but truthfully I was a bit disappointed. I found the plot was slow and characters slight. It was okay.

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Amandajoy
Panpan

This was ok for the first two-thirds. The last third made me roll my eyes in annoyance, especially when I figured out the ending. Disappointed because I've loved other McEwan books, but this one was not for me.

Sydsavvy Agreed! 8y
7 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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annmcgraw
Mehso-so

Trying to like this book as much as I do Antonement. Afraid it isn't happening

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Sweettartlaura
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Though Atonement is still my favorite McEwen book, this might be second. He makes it look soooo easy.

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Amandajoy
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I think this is appropriate.

anwade88 😂😂👏🏽 8y
13 likes1 comment
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Amandajoy
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In the mood for a thriller. Hope it's a good one!

12 likes1 stack add
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Lidia
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Pickpick

Loved it! It kept me interested from beginning to end and I could easily identify with Serena and her passion for reading. Plus I loved the story within the story...

1 like1 stack add
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Eastbriar
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A little Saturday afternoon reading and coffee. I love Ian McEwan...but I've also heard some mixed things about this one. Curious what I'll think of it.

LitHousewife I have this in audio because Juliet Stevenson narrates. I'll be curious what you think of it. 9y
18 likes2 stack adds1 comment